Kathmandu Gorkhas secured their place in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2 playoffs with a hard-fought 13-run victory over Pokhara Avengers at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur today. The win was highlighted by a spectacular bowling performance from spinner Shahab Alam, who claimed a sensational six-wicket haul, including a crucial hat-trick in the final over.
The defeat means the Pokhara Avengers are now officially out of contention for the playoffs.
Match Highlights
| Team | Score (20 Overs) | Result | Key Performances |
| Kathmandu Gorkhas | 165/8 | Won by 13 Runs | Ben Charlesworth (64 off 55), Bhim Sharki (55 off 23), Shahab Alam (6/25) |
| Pokhara Avengers | 152/10 | Lost | Rishi Dhawan (54 off 31), Dhananjaya Lakshan (30 & 4/16) |
The Gorkhas’ Late Surge
After being invited to bat first, the Kathmandu Gorkhas got off to a wobbly start, losing key wickets early on and struggling at 79/5. However, a brilliant rescue act was staged by opener Ben Charlesworth (64 off 55) and the aggressive Bhim Sharki (55 off 23).
Sharki’s explosive knock, which included the fastest half-century of the season in just 19 balls, provided the much-needed impetus. Their partnership propelled the Gorkhas to a competitive total of 165/8 in their 20 overs. For the Avengers, Dhananjaya Lakshan was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with excellent figures of 4/16.
Avengers Collapse Under Alam’s Spell
Chasing 166, the Pokhara Avengers’ chase was anchored by a resilient half-century from Rishi Dhawan (54 off 31) and a valuable contribution from Lakshan (30). Their partnership of 76 runs for the fifth wicket brought the Avengers back into the game, keeping their hopes alive in the late stages.
However, the game turned dramatically in the 19th over when Dhawan fell, followed by a masterful display of death bowling from Shahab Alam. Defending 20 runs in the final over, Alam started with a hat-trick, demolishing the lower order and becoming the first player this season to take a hat-trick and a six-wicket haul. The Avengers ultimately crumbled, losing their last six wickets for just 21 runs and finishing all out for 152.
Player of the Match and Playoff Berth
Bhim Sharki was adjudged the Player of the Match for his blistering half-century that provided the platform for the Gorkhas’ victory.
With this win, the Kathmandu Gorkhas complete the group stage with five wins from seven matches, securing their second-place standing and a confirmed spot in the NPL playoffs.
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